Nigeria’s Super Falcons have discovered their route to the women’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after the Confederation of African Football conducted the qualification draw in Cairo on Wednesday.

Africa’s most successful women’s national team will begin their qualifying campaign in the first round, where they are set to face the winner of the preliminary clash between Sudan and Comoros.

The draw highlights Nigeria’s strong standing in African women’s football, with the ten-time African champions receiving a bye past the opening stage in recognition of their pedigree.

A total of 35 nations are involved in the qualification campaign, which will be played across five knockout rounds on a home-and-away basis.

With only two slots available for African teams at the Olympic Games, the competition is expected to be highly competitive, with little margin for error at every stage.

At the last CAF Olympic qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Games, Nigeria and Zambia secured Africa’s two available qualification spots. 

For Nigeria, the journey to Los Angeles 2028 is about maintaining their status among Africa’s elite and building on their recent return to the Olympic stage.

The Super Falcons first appeared at the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000 and went on to feature in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, establishing an early presence in the competition.

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic women’s football tournament will feature 16 teams, including hosts the United States, with remaining slots decided through continental qualifiers.

Attention now turns to the opening-round tie between Sudan and Comoros, as Nigeria’s technical crew begin preparations for their campaign.

With their path now confirmed, the Super Falcons will be aiming to navigate a demanding qualification series and secure another Olympic appearance in 2028.

Wale Adejumo